Can someone lose their salvation? This is a question that has sparked much debate within Christian circles. The Bible offers passages that discuss salvation, perseverance, and assurance. Let’s take a look at what Scripture says about the security of our salvation in Christ.
Also Read: What Does The Bible Say About desires
What Does The Bible Say About losing your salvation
John 10:27-28
“My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand.”
This verse assures believers that once they have accepted Jesus as their Savior and chosen to follow Him, their salvation is secure. Jesus promises that His sheep, or His followers, will never perish and that no one can snatch them out of His hand. This verse emphasizes the eternal nature of salvation and the unwavering commitment of Jesus to protect and preserve His faithful disciples.
As a Christian, I find great comfort in this verse, knowing that my salvation is not dependent on my own efforts or abilities. It is a gift from God that cannot be taken away. It reminds me of the unconditional love and faithfulness of Jesus, who is always there to guide and protect me on my journey of faith.
Romans 8:38-39
“For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
This powerful verse assures believers that nothing in the entire universe can separate them from the love of God. It speaks to the indissoluble bond between God and His children. Regardless of circumstances or external forces, nothing can sever the relationship between believers and their heavenly Father.
As a follower of Christ, this verse gives me great assurance and confidence in my salvation. I am reminded that no matter what trials or challenges I may face in life, God’s love remains constant and unchanging. It is a source of comfort and encouragement, knowing that I am securely held in God’s love for all eternity.
Ephesians 1:13-14
“And you also were included in Christ when you heard the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation. When you believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God’s possession—to the praise of his glory.”
This verse highlights the role of the Holy Spirit in securing the believer’s salvation. It explains that upon hearing and believing the message of salvation, believers are marked with a seal, which is the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is a guarantee, a down payment, or a deposit that assures us of our future inheritance and redemption as children of God.
As a Christian, this verse reminds me of the presence and work of the Holy Spirit in my life. The Holy Spirit serves as a constant reminder of my identity as a child of God and the assurance of my future hope. It encourages me to live in a way that brings glory to God, knowing that I am eternally sealed by His Spirit.
1 Peter 1:3-5
“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy, he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade. This inheritance is kept in heaven for you, who through faith are shielded by God’s power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time.”
This passage highlights God’s mercy and the hope we have through the resurrection of Jesus Christ. It speaks of our new birth as believers and the inheritance that awaits us in heaven, which is imperishable and secure. The faith we have in God shields us and keeps us under His protective power until the fullness of our salvation is revealed.
As a follower of Jesus, this verse fills me with gratitude and hope. It reminds me of the transformation that took place in my life when I surrendered to Christ and the glorious future that awaits me because of His resurrection. I am reassured that my salvation is not only secure in the present, but also for all eternity.
Philippians 1:6
“Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.”
This verse emphasizes the assurance that God will continue His work of sanctification and transformation in the lives of believers until the day of Christ’s return. It speaks to God’s faithfulness in completing the work He began in us when we first surrendered our lives to Him.
As a Christian, this verse gives me great encouragement and peace. It reminds me that even in my moments of doubt or struggle, God is still at work within me, molding me into the image of Christ. It instills confidence that God’s plan for my life will be carried out to completion, as I trust in His guidance and depend on His grace.
2 Timothy 1:12
“That is why I am suffering as I am. Yet this is no cause for shame, because I know whom I have believed, and am convinced that he is able to guard what I have entrusted to him until that day.”
This verse expresses Paul’s certainty and confidence in God’s faithful protection of his faith and salvation. Despite his sufferings, Paul is unwavering in his belief in God’s ability to guard and preserve what he has entrusted to Him.
As a believer, this verse serves as a reminder to trust in God’s faithfulness, even in the midst of trials and hardships. It encourages me to persevere in my faith, knowing that God is able to keep me secure until the day of His return. It provides reassurance that my salvation is not dependent on my own strength, but on God’s unwavering love and power.
Hebrews 7:25
“Therefore he is able to save completely those who come to God through him, because he always lives to intercede for them.”
This verse emphasizes the sufficiency of Christ’s salvation and His role as our eternal advocate before God. Jesus is fully capable of saving those who come to Him, and He continues to intercede on behalf of His followers.
As a Christian, this verse brings me great comfort and reassurance. It reminds me that my salvation is not dependent on my own works or efforts, but on the finished work of Jesus Christ. It fills me with gratitude, knowing that Jesus is constantly interceding for me and ensuring my eternal security in God’s presence.
Colossians 3:3
“For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God.”
This verse speaks to the spiritual reality of believers, who have died to their old ways of life and are now hidden and united with Christ in God. It emphasizes the new identity and position of believers in Christ.
As a follower of Jesus, this verse reminds me of the transformative power of the Gospel. It challenges me to live in a way that aligns with my new identity in Christ and to find my purpose and significance in Him alone. It encourages me to seek a deeper intimacy with God, knowing that my life is securely hidden with Christ in Him.
1 John 2:19
“They went out from us, but they did not really belong to us. For if they had belonged to us, they would have remained with us; but their going showed that none of them belonged to us.”
This verse emphasizes the distinction between true believers and those who may appear to be part of the Christian community but do not truly belong. It highlights the permanence of genuine faith and the evidence that those who walk away from the faith were never truly part of the body of believers.
As a Christian, this verse reminds me of the importance of genuine faith and the need for discernment in identifying true followers of Christ. It challenges me to examine my own faith and ensure that it is rooted in a genuine relationship with Jesus, rather than simply going through the motions of religious practice.
Hebrews 6:4-6
“It is impossible for those who have once been enlightened, who have tasted the heavenly gift, who have shared in the Holy Spirit, who have tasted the goodness of the word of God and the powers of the coming age and who have fallen away, to be brought back to repentance. To their loss, they are crucifying the Son of God all over again and subjecting him to public disgrace.”
This passage addresses the seriousness of apostasy, the deliberate rejection of faith by someone who has received knowledge of the truth and experienced the work of the Holy Spirit. It warns that those who fall away from the faith in this manner cannot be brought back to repentance.
As a believer, this verse serves as a reminder of the importance of perseverance in faith and the need to guard against falling away. It challenges me to continually cultivate a genuine relationship with God and to seek His guidance in order to avoid the pitfalls of apostasy. It encourages me to remain steadfast in my commitment to follow Jesus and not to take my salvation lightly.
Philippians 2:12-13
“Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed—not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence—continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose.”
This passage emphasizes the cooperative effort between believers and God in the process of sanctification. It encourages believers to diligently and faithfully work out their salvation, but also recognizes that it is ultimately God who works in them, providing the will and the power to live according to His purposes.
As a Christian, this verse reminds me of the importance of active participation in my faith journey. It reminds me that while God is at work within me, transforming and empowering me, I still have a responsibility to respond obediently and cooperate with His work. It encourages me to seek God’s guidance and rely on His strength as I strive to live a life that reflects His good purpose.
2 Peter 1:10
“Therefore, my brothers and sisters, make every effort to confirm your calling and election. For if you do these things, you will never stumble.”
This verse calls believers to make every effort to confirm their calling and election. It reminds them of the importance of living a life that reflects their faith and commitment to God. By doing so, they can experience the assurance of their salvation and avoid stumbling.
As a follower of Christ, this verse challenges me to examine my own life and ensure that it aligns with my calling and election as a child of God. It encourages me to actively pursue a life of righteousness, obedience, and spiritual growth, knowing that in doing so, I can experience the confidence and security of my salvation.
Hebrews 10:26-27
“If we deliberately keep on sinning after we have received the knowledge of the truth, no sacrifice for sins is left, but only a fearful expectation of judgment and of raging fire that will consume the enemies of God.”
This passage warns against the consequences of deliberate and unrepentant sin for those who have received knowledge of the truth. It emphasizes the seriousness of disregarding God’s commands and the fearful expectation of judgment for those who persist in sin.
As a believer, this verse serves as a reminder of the importance of living a life that is characterized by repentance and obedience. It challenges me to take sin seriously and to continually strive for holiness, knowing that my actions have eternal consequences. It encourages me to seek God’s forgiveness and rely on His grace to overcome sin and live in a manner that honors Him.
Galatians 5:4
“You who are trying to be justified by the law have been alienated from Christ; you have fallen away from grace.”
This verse addresses the danger of relying on works and the Mosaic law for justification and salvation. It warns that those who seek to be justified by the law have alienated themselves from Christ and have fallen away from the grace offered through faith in Him.
As a Christian, this verse serves as a reminder of the importance of placing my faith solely in Jesus Christ for salvation. It challenges me to resist the temptation to rely on my own efforts or adherence to religious rules and regulations. It encourages me to fully embrace the grace of God and to trust in Christ’s finished work on the cross as the only means of my salvation.
Matthew 7:22-23
“Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name and in your name drive out demons and in your name perform many miracles?’ Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!'”
This passage highlights the sobering reality that not everyone who claims to know and serve Jesus will enter the kingdom of heaven. It warns against the danger of mere religious activity and emphasizes the importance of having a genuine, personal relationship with Christ.
As a follower of Jesus, this verse challenges me to examine the authenticity of my faith and to ensure that my relationship with Christ is not based solely on outward actions or religious rituals. It urges me to pursue an intimate and personal knowledge of Jesus, knowing that true salvation is not found in performing miracles or religious works, but in a deep and abiding relationship with Him.
1 Timothy 4:1
“The Spirit clearly says that in later times some will abandon the faith and follow deceiving spirits and things taught by demons.”
This verse warns of the presence of false teachings and deceptive spirits that can lead people astray from the true faith. It emphasizes the need for discernment and the importance of staying grounded in the truth of God’s Word.
As a Christian, this verse reminds me of the need to be alert and discerning in a world filled with various philosophies and belief systems. It encourages me to rely on the guidance of the Holy Spirit and to continually deepen my knowledge of God’s Word, so that I may recognize and reject any false teachings or deceptive influences.
James 2:14
“What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save them?”
This passage challenges the notion that faith without actions is sufficient for salvation. It underscores the importance of a faith that is accompanied by corresponding actions and righteous living.
As a believer, this verse reminds me of the need for a holistic approach to faith, one that encompasses both belief and action. It prompts me to examine my own life and ensure that my actions align with the faith I profess, knowing that true and saving faith results in a transformed life that reflects the love and character of Christ.
Matthew 24:12-13
“Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold, but the one who stands firm to the end will be saved.”
This verse speaks to the growing apathy and spiritual decline that can occur in the face of increasing wickedness. It emphasizes the necessity of standing firm and persevering in faith until the end in order to be saved.
As a Christian, this verse serves as a reminder of the importance of resilience and persistence in my walk with God. It challenges me to guard against spiritual complacency and to continually cultivate a vibrant and passionate relationship with Jesus. It encourages me to rely on the strength of the Holy Spirit to endure and overcome the challenges and temptations of this world.
1 Corinthians 15:2
“By this gospel you are saved if you hold firmly to the word I preached to you. Otherwise, you have believed in vain.”
This verse emphasizes the conditionality of salvation on holding firmly to the teachings of the Gospel. It warns against a faith that is shallow or easily swayed and emphasizes the need for an enduring commitment to the truth.
As a believer, this verse reminds me of the importance of grounding my faith in the unchanging truth of God’s Word. It challenges me to continually study and meditate on the Scriptures, so that I may be firmly rooted in the teachings of Jesus. It encourages me to guard against doubt, distractions, and false doctrines that may lead me astray from the truth of the Gospel.
1 John 3:6
“No one who lives in him keeps on sinning. No one who continues to sin has either seen him or known him.”
This verse underscores the transformative power of a relationship with Christ and its impact on a believer’s behavior. It emphasizes that those who truly know and abide in Christ will not habitually continue in sin.
As a follower of Jesus, this verse challenges me to examine my own life and ensure that my actions align with my profession of faith. It prompts me to continually seek the guidance and empowerment of the Holy Spirit in order to live a life that honors God. It reminds me that my salvation is not a license to sin, but a call to live in righteousness and holiness.
2 Peter 2:20-21
“If they have escaped the corruption of the world by knowing our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and are again entangled in it and are overcome, they are worse off at the end than they were at the beginning. It would have been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness than to have known it and then to turn their backs on the sacred command that was passed on to them.”
This passage highlights the severe consequences of returning to a life of sin after experiencing the transformative power of knowing Jesus Christ. It warns that those who turn away from the truth are in a worse state than they were before encountering the Gospel.
As a Christian, this verse serves as a sobering reminder of the seriousness of apostasy and the need for vigilance and perseverance in my faith. It challenges me to guard against the allure of worldly temptations and to continually cultivate a deep and vibrant relationship with Christ. It encourages me to learn from the mistakes of those who have fallen away and to remain steadfast in my commitment to follow Jesus.
John 15:6
“If you do not remain in me, you are like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned.”
This verse uses the analogy of a branch and a vine to illustrate the importance of remaining connected to Jesus in order to bear fruit. It warns that those who do not abide in Him will wither and face eternal consequences.
As a follower of Christ, this verse reminds me of the vital importance of abiding in Jesus and maintaining a deep and intimate relationship with Him. It challenges me to continually seek His presence, rely on His strength, and align my life with His teachings. It encourages me to bear fruit that reflects my relationship with Him and to guard against anything that may hinder my connection to the true Vine.
Galatians 5:21
“I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.”
This verse lists various sinful behaviors and warns that those who persist in living according to the desires of the flesh will not inherit the kingdom of God.
As a believer, this verse serves as a reminder of the need to strive for holiness and to resist the enticements of sinful lifestyles. It challenges me to pursue righteousness and to allow the Holy Spirit to transform my desires and actions. It encourages me to live in a way that is pleasing to God and in alignment with His kingdom values.
Hebrews 2:3
“How shall we escape if we ignore so great a salvation? This salvation, which was first announced by the Lord, was confirmed to us by those who heard him.”
This verse emphasizes the seriousness and urgency of paying attention to the salvation offered through Jesus Christ. It warns against ignoring or neglecting this great salvation and its ultimate consequences.
As a Christian, this verse prompts me to continually reflect on the significance of my salvation and the immense privilege it is to be a recipient of God’s grace. It challenges me to share the message of salvation with others and to diligently live out my faith, knowing that the stakes are high for those who choose to ignore or reject this incredible gift.